Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine #AtoZChallenge

“A philosophical question: if a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? And if a woman who’s wholly alone occasionally talks to a pot plant, is she certifiable? I think that it is perfectly normal to talk to oneself occasionally. It’s not as though I’m expecting a reply. I’m fully aware that Polly is a houseplant.” ― Gail Honeyman, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

When I first started off on the book, I must say I wasn’t quite impressed with Eleanor’s character. I found her to be way too aloof in life. But as the book progressed and more shades of Eleanor’s character were revealed, I was pulled into it. She has a past, and a lurking guilt along with it. Her anti-social behavior is an outcome of this past. New friendships forged, tap this exterior and she seeks love and forgiveness in her life.

At 32 years of age, Eleanor struggles with her social skills. She’s been working for the last nine years as a finance clerk in the same graphics design company in Glasgow. She arrives and leaves at the exact same time each day and does the newspaper crosswords every day during her lunch hours. Her life is carefully timetabled- one where she avoids social interactions, spends her weekend with frozen pizzas and vodkas. Life is more of a habit for her, and being lonely isn’t really a bother. And then enters Raymond the high energy, yet un- hygienic youngster from her office.

Together with Raymond, Eleanor ends up saving an elderly gentleman called Sammy who had fallen off the sidewalk. Over the days, the three become good friends, only to realize that that each live their own life of isolation. Slowly, Eleanor begins to realize that the only way to survive is to open her heart out. She takes that step to find a way to repair her lonely soul.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is all about making those much needed changes in life, to overcome depressing thoughts and confronting secrets that one avoids all their life.

This post is a part of the A to Z Blogging Challenge where I write about twenty six women characters from books, who have left an impact on me. You can read the previous posts here- Women in Books

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39 Comments

On my free day on Sunday I downloaded it and read in it on a beautiful, cold wet day in our caravan. I had a slight cold and was able to forget everything for a while except the story. I felt there was going to be more of a twist at the end than there was. It is fairly predictable. But I did love it. Thanks for sending me in that direction.

My book club is reading Oliphant is Completely Fine for our May meeting. I have it in hand and this review has helped to perk my interest. The report from those who have already finished the novel have all enjoyed it. This is my first visit to your blog finding you on the participants list for the #Challenge. Addicted to reading, your theme was right up my alley. If you have time and interest, I am writing about BOOKSHOPS this month, their architecture, locations and the great people who sell books. I would love to know what your favorite bookstore is and where. Hope you will come and join me on the tour of special places in our hearts.

Natasha

I’ve heard so much about this book, and I guess it’s on similar lines to The Man Called Ove. I was told the former is livelier than this one. But I guess no pint drawing comparisons and reading each book as it is. I’m definitely going to check this out Ramya. Thank you.

I had started reading this book online sometime in November. Then had left it off after a few chapters. Now after your review and so many positive comments i think i should give this one a try too. Being a socially awkward person myself at times, i could relate to her a bit, but then couldn’t continue.

Ramya Abhinand

I read this review some time back and could so relate to Eleanor. Lonely, aloof, leading a time-tabled life…You know, that’s just how I like things..and, I secretly hope I don’t have to change, ever! 😛
Will pick this book up soon!

Ramya, you and Shalzmojo are guilty of making a broke woman’s TBR fat…I have made a promise to myself that I won’t buy/borrow a single book until I finish all the unread and half read books..but you girls are tempting me to break my ‘pratigya’ and head to amazon..such amazing review and how can I control myself..